a little snack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a little snack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is small, easy to consume, and not necessarily a full meal. For example, "Let's take a break and have a little snack."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"The idea is to make a little snack," Jordi explained.

The New Yorker

She asked the guests how they felt about a little snack.

The New Yorker

"Could I get one of those?" he inquired, thinking it was a little snack.

The New Yorker

An elderly parent you'd like to bring into the chamber for a little snack, like in any regular workplace?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The natural shape of a slice of courgette makes it perfect for picking up and popping in your mouth as a little snack.

Independent

Mr. Gallante cuts rock shrimp into tender little meatballs as an assaggini, a little snack even before the antipasti come, and their sweetness has the capacity to astonish.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Two and a half years ago I was self-employed, selling parmos from a little snack-bar in the local working men's club, when I started exploring the possibility of selling them in shops.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A great little snack with a perfect balance of smoke, salt and sweet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At any rate, I can't get misty eyed about the lost innocence of more rustic times when the chef Diego Hernández has just sent out a smart little snack of local sea urchin affixed to a crunchy square of chicharrón with a dab of puréed avocado.

The New York Times

The same batter makes a nifty little snack of cubed pork ribs; you chew and suck them before spitting out the bony bits.

The New York Times - Food

I snuck in a tasty little snack at the small café before continuing my journey through galleries where the art is exhibited in what I call a 'come hither' ambiance that invites close-ups.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little snack" to describe a small amount of food eaten between meals or when not very hungry. It implies informality and ease of consumption.

Common error

Avoid using "little" excessively in your writing. While "a little snack" is fine, consistently using "little" to describe everything can make your writing sound repetitive and childish. Try varying your vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little snack" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI shows, it is commonly used to describe a small amount of food consumed outside of regular meals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a little snack" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a small amount of food eaten between meals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news media and general interest articles, and carries an informal tone. When writing, consider the context: if a formal setting is required, alternatives like "light refreshment" may be more appropriate. Remember not to overuse "little" as a modifier in other contexts. While the phrase itself is straightforward, its effective use depends on understanding its connotations and choosing it appropriately for the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small bite

Replaces "snack" with a more general term for a small portion of food.

a quick nibble

Emphasizes the speed and smallness of the snack.

a light refreshment

Highlights the refreshing quality of the snack.

a small treat

Focuses on the enjoyable aspect of the snack.

a mini meal

Positions the snack as a very small version of a larger meal.

a simple appetizer

Suggests the snack is served before a main course.

a modest repast

Uses more formal language to describe a small meal.

a tiny morsel

Emphasizes the extremely small size of the snack.

a petite collation

Uses a sophisticated term for a light meal or snack.

a wee bite

Uses informal language to describe a very small snack.

FAQs

How can I use "a little snack" in a sentence?

You can use "a little snack" to describe a small amount of food you eat between meals. For example, "I had "a little snack" before going to the gym".

What's the difference between "a little snack" and "a light meal"?

"A little snack" implies a smaller portion and is less formal than "a light meal". A light meal might include several items, while "a little snack" is usually just one or two small items.

What can I say instead of "a little snack"?

You can use alternatives like "a small bite", "a quick nibble", or "a light refreshment" depending on the context.

Is "a little snack" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a little snack" is more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using "a light meal" or "a small appetizer" instead.